Some students 16 or older at Cameron High School wereable to say they saved a life on Wednesday, September 2. Every year theFFA hosts a blood drive in the beginning of the school year with thehelp of the St. Joseph Community Blood Center. Many students donatedtheir blood and saved a life, but some students weren't able or didn't want to donate. There was a test students had to take and pass if they wanted to give blood.

 

"They [students] had to get their finger pricked, which checkedtheir iron, and they couldn't have taken any Tylenol or aspirin withinthe past 48 hours. They couldn't be sick and their iron couldn't be toolow," said FFA President Bridgette Ingersoll. If the students whowanted to have their blood taken passed the iron test and met thoserequirements, they gave blood.

And though many gave, each had a different reason. 

 

"I gave blood because it was a volunteer opportunity and I alwaystry to take every opportunity I can get to volunteer," said JuniorMolly Long. Last year Molly said she had tried to give blood, but shewas unable to because she had been on antibiotics. There are morerequirements than not being on antibiotics in order to get your bloodtaken.

 

"I couldn't give blood this year because I don't weigh enough,"said Junior Courtney Blair. The students also had to give informationabout their health andif they have any types of diseases that could affect the person whoreceives their blood. Even if the students met all the otherrequirements there were other things the students were told to do sothey would have a successful time at the blood drive.

 

"A day before donating, and the day of the donation, the studentsshould eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of fluids. Any time you donate blood on an empty stomach you'regoing to get a reaction and that is not a good idea. If you can drinklots of water the day before you donate that will hydrate your veinsand open them up. You should also get a good nights rest," said Full Blood Alyx Tec Tracey Halfacre.

 

If you are thinking about donating blood,remember the requirements and what you should do in order to have asuccessful donation. Donating blood is a very good way to volunteer andhelp out the people in your community. Remember to get plenty of rest,be hydrated, and eat well-balanced meals like Tracey strongly suggests.People are in need of blood every day, so go save a life and donate today.